System and apparatus thereof for destroying pathogens associated with footwear

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for destroying pathogens includes a platform and an LED matrix panel. The platform has a portion configured to permit passage of ultraviolet light therethrough. The LED matrix panel is disposed below the portion of the platform and includes a grid and a plurality of discreetly-controlled, ultraviolet light LEDs (UV LEDs). The grid defines a plurality of cells. Each UV LED is associated with one cell such that the cells direct the ultraviolet light emitted by the UV LEDs upwardly through the portion of the platform to sanitize an object supported on the portion of the platform.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation of, and claims priority to,and the benefit of, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/626,615 filed onJun. 19, 2017 by Rachel Dombrowsky et al., entitled “SYSTEM ANDAPPARATUS THEREOF FOR DESTROYING PATHOGENS ASSOCIATED WITH FOOTWEAR”,and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/430,070 which was filedDec. 5, 2016, the entire contents of both of which are incorporated byreference herein.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to devices for cleaning footwear. Morespecifically, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus that usesultraviolet light to destroy or inhibit the growth of surface pathogens,such as, for example, virus, bacteria, mold, spore, and fungi, and/or toreduce chemical contaminants.

2. Background of Related Art

The soles of people's footwear are a primary vehicle for pathogensentering homes and healthcare facilities. The pathogens can causesickness, disease, and possible death. Door mats, the primary means forcleaning shoe bottoms, remove dirt but not pathogens, and can quicklybecome an incubator for germs. Other solutions such as liquid dips arenot practical for high traffic areas and require frequent maintenance tostay effective. Disposable booties or shoe covers are used inprofessional environments, but do not work well in public areas, aspeople tend to be self-conscience about wearing them, and there aresafety concerns over people tripping while wearing such covers.

Other technologies used to sanitize footwear include devices thatincorporate light bulbs that emit short-wavelength ultraviolet (“UV-C”)light directed at the bottom of footwear to destroy pathogens that maybe associated therewith. These devices, however, are typically bulky dueto the large size of the UV-C light bulbs, they may be ineffective atpreventing or limiting unintended exposure to the UV-C light, and areoftentimes difficult to operate.

SUMMARY

In one aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus for destroyingpathogens is provided. The apparatus includes a platform and an LEDmatrix panel. The platform has a portion configured to permit passage ofultraviolet light therethrough. The LED matrix panel is disposed belowthe portion of the platform and includes a grid defining a plurality ofcells, and a plurality of discreetly-controlled, ultraviolet light LEDs(UV LEDs) that selectively emit ultraviolet light. Each UV LED isassociated with one of the cells such that the cells direct theultraviolet light emitted by the UV LEDs upwardly through the portion ofthe platform to sanitize an object supported on the portion of theplatform.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include a plurality ofvisible light emitting LEDs (V LEDs) each electrically linked to acorresponding UV LED. Each V LED may be disposed adjacent itscorresponding UV LED and may be configured to emit visible lightconcurrently with the emission of ultraviolet light from thecorresponding UV LED.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include a processor incommunication with the UV LEDs and the V LEDS. The processor may beconfigured to selectively activate the V LEDs to emit a first color ofvisible light upon the corresponding UV LED being in an ON state, and asecond color of visible light upon the corresponding UV LED being in anOFF state.

In some embodiments, the UV LEDs may be further configured asphotodiodes such that the UV LEDs sense a change in light upon an objectbeing disposed on the portion of the platform to activate the UV LEDs.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include a pressure sensorcoupled to the platform and in communication with the UV LEDs. The UVLEDs may be configured to be activated upon the pressure sensor sensinga threshold force.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include a plurality ofsensors. The sensors may be disposed within a respective one of thecells. A first UV LED may be activated in response to a first sensorsensing an object on the portion of the platform. The first UV LED andthe first sensor may be disposed within the same cell. The first sensormay sense the object only when the object is disposed directly above thefirst sensor.

In some embodiments, the sensors may be infrared sensors and/orphotodiodes.

In some embodiments, the grid may include a plurality of spaced apartlongitudinal walls and a plurality of spaced apart transverse walls in acrisscrossing arrangement with the longitudinal walls. The longitudinaland transverse walls may together define the cells.

In some embodiments, the platform may include a frame and a pair ofplates. The frame may define a pair of openings and may be fabricatedfrom a material that prevents the transmission of ultraviolet light. Theplates may be fabricated from quartz and may be disposed within arespective opening. The quartz permits the transmission of ultravioletlight therethrough.

In some embodiments, each of the plates may define an outer peripherythat is in abutment with a respective inner side wall of the frame. Theouter periphery of each of the plates may be sealed to the respectiveinner side walls of the frame.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include a housingassembly in which the LED matrix panel is disposed. The LED matrix panelmay be thermally coupled to an inner surface of the housing assembly.

In some embodiments, the LED matrix panel may include a printed circuitboard on which the UV LEDS are situated. The printed circuit board maybe thermally coupled to a bottom housing of the housing assembly.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a footwear-sanitizingsystem is provided and includes a user interface to be mounted to awall, and an apparatus to be disposed on a floor. The user interface isconfigured to display a progress of a sanitization process. Theapparatus is in communication with the user interface and includes aplatform and an LED matrix panel. The platform has a portion configuredto permit passage of ultraviolet light therethrough. The LED matrixpanel is disposed below the portion of the platform and includes a gridand a plurality of discreetly-controlled, ultraviolet light LEDs (UVLEDs) that selectively emit ultraviolet light. The grid defines aplurality of cells and each UV LED is associated with one of the cellssuch that the cells direct the ultraviolet light emitted by the UV LEDsupwardly through the portion of the platform to sanitize an objectsupported on the portion of the platform.

In some embodiments, the system may further include a processor incommunication with each of the UV LEDs, the V LEDS, and the userinterface. The processor may be configured to selectively activate the VLEDs of the apparatus and lights of the user interface to emit a firstcolor of visible light upon the corresponding UV LED being in an ONstate, and a second color of visible light upon the corresponding UV LEDbeing in an OFF state.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of installinga footwear-sanitizing system is provided and includes mounting a userinterface to a wall of a room, positioning the apparatus on a floor ofthe room, and connecting the user interface and the UV LEDS of theapparatus to an external power source.

Further details, advantages, and aspects of exemplary embodiments of thepresent disclosure are described in more detail below with reference tothe appended figures.

As used herein, the terms parallel and perpendicular are understood toinclude relative configurations that are substantially parallel andsubstantially perpendicular up to about + or −10 degrees from trueparallel and true perpendicular.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein withreference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view a footwear-sanitizing system including afootwear sanitizer and a user interface each installed in an operatingroom in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the footwear sanitizer of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view, with parts separated, of the footwearsanitizer of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-section, taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2, of thefootwear sanitizer;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a portion of the footwear sanitizerindicated as detail 5 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the footwear-sanitizing system of FIG.1, illustrating a person standing on the footwear sanitizer andinteracting with the user interface;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the footwear-sanitizing system of FIG.1, illustrating the footwear sanitizer thereof installed into a floor ofthe operating room;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of afootwear-sanitizing system including a footwear sanitizer and a userinterface each installed in an operating room in accordance with theprinciples of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating the sanitizing system of FIG. 1installed in a room.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the presently disclosed system and apparatus fordestroying pathogens are described in detail with reference to thedrawings, in which like reference numerals designate identical orcorresponding elements in each of the several views.

As used herein, the term “pathogen” includes, but is not limited to,viruses, bacteria (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, CDIF, VRE,Pseudomonas aeruginosa and E. coli), molds, spores, fungi, or the like.

The present disclosure provides a footwear-sanitizing system thatutilizes UV-C light-emitting LEDs to sanitize footwear in a variety ofsettings including, but not limited to, hospitals, homes, laboratories,etc. The UV-C LEDs are smaller than standard UV-C light bulbs allowingfor a miniaturization of the overall footwear-sanitizing system. The UVLEDs are disposed on a printed circuit board and within individual cellsof a grid. Each of the UV LEDs are discreetly controlled such that onlythose UV LEDs disposed directly below the feet of a user will beactivated. Due to the UV LEDs being disposed within cells of the grid,the ultraviolet light is directed upwardly through a platform and ontothe bottom of the footwear of the user to destroy pathogens associatedtherewith. These and further details of the footwear-sanitizing systemwill be described below.

With reference to FIGS. 1-7, a sanitizing system, such as afootwear-sanitizing system 10 is illustrated and generally includes anapparatus or footwear sanitizer 100 to be installed in or on a floor “F”of a room, a user interface 20 to be mounted on a vertically-extendingwall “W” of the room, and a hand-sanitizing station 22. The userinterface 20 and the apparatus 100 are in communication with one anotherand are each externally powered by an external power source via anelectrical connection (e.g., wires or wireless connection). Theapparatus 100 is structured to support the weight of a user and todestroy pathogens associated with footwear worn by the user.

With reference to FIGS. 2-5, the apparatus 100 includes a housingassembly 102 and an LED matrix panel 120 disposed within the housingassembly 102. The housing assembly 102 includes a top housing orplatform 102 a and a bottom housing 102 b, which when coupled to oneanother cooperatively define an internal cavity for housing componentsof the apparatus 100. The housing assembly 102 may have a square shape,but in some embodiments may assume any suitable size and shape such astrapezoidal, circular, rectangular, triangular, or the like. Theplatform 102 a of the housing assembly 102 includes a frame 104 and apair of plates 106 a, 106 b supported by the frame 104. The frame 104and the bottom housing 102 b may be fabricated from a non-corrosivematerial that prevents the transmission of ultraviolet lighttherethrough. In some embodiments, the frame 104 and the bottom housing102 b may be fabricated from any suitable material, such as, forexample, various metals, including aluminum.

The frame 104 of the platform 102 a has a pair of openings 108 a, 108 bdefined through a thickness thereof. The openings 108 a, 108 b aredimensioned to securely capture the respective plates 106 a, 106 btherein. In particular, the frame 104 of the platform 102 a has a pairof inner side walls 110 a, 110 b, and a pair of ledges 112 a, 112 bextending perpendicularly from the inner side walls 110 a, 110 b andinto the respective openings 108 a, 108 b. The plates 106 a, 106 b aredisposed on the ledges 112 a, 112 b of the frame 104 such that a topsurface of each of the plates 106 a, 106 b is flush with a top surfaceof the frame 104. An outer periphery 114 a, 114 b of each of the plates106 a, 106 b is in abutting engagement with the respective inner sidewalls 110 a, 110 b of the frame 104 such that all four sides of theplates 106 a, 106 b are encased by the inner side walls 110 a, 110 b ofthe frame 104. A sealant “S” may be applied between the inner side walls110 a, 110 b of the frame 104 and the outer periphery 114 a, 114 b ofthe plates 106 a, 106 b to form an air-tight seal therebetween.

The plates 106 a, 106 b of the platform 102 a are elongated and sized toaccommodate any size foot of a person standing on the platform 102 a.The plates 106 a, 106 b have a rectangular shape, but it is contemplatedthat the plates 106 a, 106 b may assume any suitable shape dimensionedto accommodate an entire foot of a person. The plates 106 a, 106 b arereceived within the respective openings 108 a, 108 b of the frame 104and are formed from a material (e.g., quartz) that permits the passageof UV-C light therethrough while also exhibiting sufficient strength tosupport the weight of a person. In some embodiments, the plates 106 a,106 b may be fabricated from materials other than quartz, such as fusedsilica, glass, ruby, or the like.

With continued reference to FIGS. 2-5, the LED matrix panel 120 of theapparatus 100 is disposed below and in alignment with the openings 108a, 108 b of the frame 104 of the platform 102 a, and in turn, the plates106 a, 106 b of the platform 102 a. The LED matrix panel 120 includes aplurality of ultraviolet light LEDs (“UV LEDs”) 122 and a grid 124. TheUV LEDs 122 are discreetly controlled by a processor “P” incommunication with a printed circuit board 126 of the LED matrix panel120. The UV LEDs 122 emit short-wavelength ultraviolet radiation (“UV-Clight”). In some embodiments, UV LEDs 122 may be configured to emitother wavelengths of ultraviolet light instead of or in addition to UV-Clight. The UV LEDs 122 are arranged on the printed circuit board 126 ina series of longitudinally-extending rows, but in some embodiments theUV LEDs 122 may be arranged on the printed circuit board 126 in anysuitable pattern, whether random or defined. The UV LEDs 122 are poweredby a power source (not shown) disposed externally of the apparatus 100.In some embodiments, the UV LEDs 122 may be replaced with ultravioletlight-emitting bulbs.

The grid 124 of the LED matrix panel 120 is fabricated from a materialthat prevents transmission of ultraviolet light therethrough, such as,for example, a thermoplastic resin. In some embodiments, inner surfacesof the grid 124 may be coated with a reflective material that reflectsultraviolet light. The grid 124 includes a plurality of spaced apartlongitudinal walls or bars 124 a and a plurality of spaced aparttransverse walls or bars 124 b crisscrossing with the longitudinal walls124 a. The longitudinal and transverse walls 124 a, 124 b togetherdefine a plurality of discreet chambers or cells 128. The cells 128 areillustrated as having a square configuration, but it is contemplatedthat the cells 128 may have any suitable shape, such as, for example,circular, triangular, rectangular, oblong, uniform, non-uniform, or thelike.

The grid 124 is supported on the printed circuit board 126 such that oneUV LED 122 of the plurality of UV LEDs 122 is received in a respectiveone of the plurality of cells 128 of the grid 124. In this way, the UVLEDs 122 are partitioned off from adjacent UV LEDs 122 so thatultraviolet light emitted by one UV LED 122 is prevented from escapinglaterally into adjacent cells 128 of the grid 124. Additionally, thelongitudinal and transverse walls 124 a, 124 b of the grid 124 areperpendicular to a plane defined by the printed circuit board 126,whereby the ultraviolet light emitted from the UV LEDs 122 is directedor guided perpendicularly upward relative to the printed circuit board126. This construction will prevent UV-C light scattering in directionsother than directly upward.

The printed circuit board 126 of the LED matrix panel 120 may bedirectly or indirectly thermally coupled to an inner surface of thehousing assembly 102. In particular, the printed circuit board 126 maybe thermally coupled to an inner surface of the bottom housing 102 b ofthe housing assembly 102. As such, heat generated by the LED matrixpanel 120 during use may be directly transmitted from the printedcircuit board 126 and into the thermally conductive housing assembly 102to facilitate cooling of the LED matrix panel 120 and the overallinternal environment of the apparatus 100.

The printed circuit board 126 of the LED matrix panel 120 is incommunication with the processor “P,” which selectively activatesparticular UV LEDs 122 based on where on the platform 102 a a user'sfoot is positioned, as will be described. The processer “P” may beoperably connected to a memory, which may include transitory type memory(e.g., RAM) and/or non-transitory type memory (e.g., flash media, diskmedia, etc.), collectively referred to as “memory” herein. The memorymay store instructions (e.g., software), which when executed on theprocessor “P” causes one or more footwear sanitizing sequence(s) to beperformed by the apparatus 100. More particularly, when the instructionsare executed on the processor “P,” the processor “P” transmits controlsignals to one or more of the described components in electricalcommunication, either wired or wireless, with the processor “P.” Theprocessor “P” may additionally receive sensor signals from the one ormore components in communication with the processor “P.” Those skilledin the art will appreciate that the processor “P” may be substituted byusing any logic processor (e.g., control circuit) adapted to perform thecalculations and/or set of instructions described herein including, butnot limited to, field programmable gate arrays, digital signalprocessor, and combinations thereof.

With reference to FIGS. 3-5, the apparatus 100 may include a pluralityof visible light emitting LEDs (“V LEDs”) 130 arranged on the printedcircuit board 126 of the LED matrix panel 120. Each of the V LEDs 130may selectively emit a variety of colors of visible light (e.g., blue,green, purple, etc.). One V LED 130 of the plurality of UV LEDs 130 isreceived in a respective one of the plurality of cells 128 of the grid124, and each V LED 130 is disposed adjacent to and directlyelectrically linked with one corresponding UV LED 122. As such, a stateof the UV LED 122 (e.g., ON or OFF) and a state of the respective V LED130 (e.g., ON, OFF, or a type of color illuminated) will besynchronized, as will be described in further detail below.

Since UV-C light is not visible to the human eye, a user of theapparatus 100 will be unable to determine whether the UV LEDs 122 areturned on based solely on the appearance of the UV LEDs 122. Thus, the VLEDs 130 may act as status indicators for the UV LEDs 122 by switchingon and off concurrently with the UV LEDs 122. More specifically, theprocessor “P” may be in communication with the UV LEDs 122 and the VLEDs 130 and may be programmed to selectively activate the V LEDs 130 toemit a particular color(s) based on the status of the associated UV LED122. For example, when a set of UV LEDs 122 are in an OFF state, theprocessor “P” may direct the V LEDs 130 associated with the set of UVLEDs 122 to emit a first color (e.g., green) indicating to a user thatthe UV LEDs 122 are in the OFF state. Similarly, when the set of UV LEDs122 are in an ON state, the processor “P” may direct the V LEDs 130associated with the set of UV LEDs 122 to emit a second color (e.g.,purple) indicating to the user that the UV LEDs 122 are in the ON state.It is contemplated that because the V LEDs 130 are directly electricallylinked with the respective UV LEDs 122, the processor “P” will not berequired to activate the V LEDs 130.

With continued reference to FIGS. 3-5, the apparatus 100 may include apressure sensor or sensors 132 for determining when a user is standingon the platform 102 a of the apparatus 100. The pressure sensors 132 maybe disposed between the frame 104 of the housing assembly 102 and thebottom housing 102 b of the housing assembly 102. The pressure sensors132 are in communication with the UV LEDs 122 and/or the processor “P.”The processor “P” may be configured to activate (i.e., switch on) the UVLEDs 122 in response to the pressure sensors 132 sensing a thresholdforce greater than approximately 40 to 70 lbs. As such, the UV LEDs 122will remain in the OFF or inactive state until the pressure sensors 132sense a user standing on the platform 102 a. In some embodiments, eachcell 128 of the LED matrix panel 120 may include a pressure sensor 132,each of which being electrically coupled to the corresponding UV LED 122and V LED 130.

In addition to or in the alternative of having pressure sensors 132, theapparatus 100 may include light sensors 134, such as, for example,infrared sensors or photodiodes. One light sensor 134 may be disposed ineach cell 128 of the grid 124 and may be electrically coupled to the UVLED 122 and V LED 130 disposed within that cell 128. Due to the lightsensors 134 being disposed directly below the plates 106 a, 106 b of theplatform 102 a, the light sensors 134 sense a presence or absence of anobject (e.g., footwear) on the plates 106 a, 106 b of the platform 102a. The light sensors 134 may be configured to sense the presence orabsence of an object on the plates 106 a, 106 b of the platform 102 avia sensing a change in infrared heat, a change in visible light, or achange in any other detectable form of electromagnetic radiation.

The light sensors 134 are also in communication with the processor “P”and are configured to signal to the processor “P” when they detect anobject on the plates 106 a, 106 b of the platform 102 a. The processor“P” is configured to activate only the UV LEDs 122 that are disposed inthe cells 128 of the light sensors 134 that detect the object.Accordingly, only the set of UV LEDs 122 disposed directly beneath theobject will be activated by the processor “P,” whereas the UV LEDs 122disposed outside of the boundary of the object remain in an OFF state.

In some embodiments, instead of the apparatus 100 having distinct lightsensors, the UV LEDs 122 may assume the dual function of being a UVlight emitting diode and a light sensing photodiode that senses a changein light upon an object being disposed on the plates 106 a, 106 b of theplatform 102 a.

In operation, with reference to FIG. 6, a user desiring to sanitizetheir footwear may position their feet on the pair of plates 106 a, 106b of the apparatus 100. Prior to standing on the plates 106 a, 106 b,the V LEDs 130 may emit a green color to invite the user to stand on theapparatus 100. By initially standing on the apparatus 100, the pressuresensors 132 sense the weight of the user and signals to the processor“P” that the apparatus 100 is ready for use, thereby switching theapparatus 100 from an inactive mode to an active mode. It is envisionedthat if the pressure sensors 132 do not sense the threshold amount ofweight, the apparatus 100 will remain in the inactive mode. The UV LEDs122 may be automatically activated by the processor “P” upon thepressure sensors 132 sensing the threshold weight. Alternately, the usermay press a button on the user interface 20 to initiate the sanitizingprocess.

The light sensors 134, which are disposed directly beneath the feet ofthe user, will detect a change in light, e.g., from the infrared emittedby the feet of the user or a decrease in the amount of visible lightreaching the light sensors 134 due to the user's feet blocking lightfrom reaching the light sensors 134. Upon the light sensors 134detecting the change in light, the processor “P” activates only those UVLEDs 122 disposed in the same cells 128 of the grid 124 as the lightsensors 134 that detected the change in light. Concurrently with theactivation of the selected UV LEDs 122, the V LEDs 130 associated withthe activated LEDs 122 are also activated to emit another color (e.g.,purple) to indicate to the user that the UV LEDs 122 are turned ON. Itis contemplated that all of the V LEDs 130 may be activated rather thanonly the V LEDs 130 associated with the activated UV LEDs 122. The userinterface 20 may also be configured to emit the same color as the V LEDs130 so that the user can be aware of the status of the apparatus 100without having to look down.

As the activated UV LEDs 122 emit UV-C light, the walls 124 a, 124 b ofthe grid 124 direct the UV-C light upwardly at a perpendicular anglerelative to the printed circuit board 126. The UV-C light passesuninterrupted through the pair of plates 106 a, 106 b of the platform102 a and contacts the bottom surfaces of the user's footwear tosanitize the footwear. The UV LEDs 122 remain activated for a presetamount of time predetermined to sufficiently destroy all pathogens. Uponthe UV LEDs 122 being deactivated, the user interface 20 and the V LEDs130 emit a color (e.g., green) indicating that the sanitizing process iscomplete and that the user may step off from the apparatus 100. The userinterface 20 may also display an indication to the user that thesanitizing sequence is complete. For example, the user interface 20 maydisplay a thumbs-up symbol when the sequence is completed. It is alsocontemplated that the user interface 20 may display a countdown tocompletion during the sanitizing sequence.

In embodiments, the processor “P” may receive and store informationregarding each use of the sanitizing system 10. For example, theprocessor “P” may store the number of uses of the apparatus 100, thetime of each use, whether each use was complete, identificationinformation pertaining to the person using the apparatus 100, etc. Thisinformation may be utilized to assist in enforcing compliance withhospital or laboratory rules. It is also contemplated that clinicianswho use the apparatus 100 may be equipped with an RFID tag storing atleast their name and identification number, and/or the clinicians may berequired to input their identification information prior to using theapparatus 100.

With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, to install the footwear-sanitizingsystem 10, a hole “H” may be formed in the flooring “F” of a room toaccommodate the apparatus 100 therein. A trench “T” may also be formedin the flooring “F” that leads from a wall “W” of the room into the hole“H.” In embodiments, due to the apparatus 100 being thinner than otherfootwear sanitizing apparatus, the apparatus 100 may be placed directlyon the floor rather than in a hole in the floor and “mud-up” to theapparatus 100 with a cement ramp and then tile over it. An install pan136 may be deposited into the hole “H” prior to positioning theapparatus 100 into the hole “H.” The apparatus 100 is connected to anexternal power source (not explicitly shown) via a utility box “U”(FIG. 1) mounted to the wall “W.” Due to the apparatus 100 being poweredby the utility box “U,” the apparatus 100 does not have an internalpower source, allowing the apparatus 100 to be manufactured with a muchsmaller footprint than if it required an internal power source. The userinterface 20 is mounted to the wall “W” and coupled to a power line “L”that runs through the trench “T.” By dropping the apparatus 100 into thehole “H,” a top surface of the apparatus 100 is flush with a top surfaceof the flooring “F.” In embodiments, a building may be provided thatincludes a plurality of the sanitizing systems 10 installed in variousrooms of the building.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, instead of dropping theapparatus 100 into a hole in the floor, the apparatus 100 may sit on topof the floor and have a ramped outer shell 140 surrounding the apparatus100 that transitions from the floor to the platform 102 a of theapparatus 100.

With reference to FIG. 9, illustrated is a block diagram of thesanitizing system 10 including the apparatus 100, an external powerconverter 142, and an optional user interface 20. The power converter142 receives electrical energy from an external power supply (not shown)which may be in the form of alternating or direct current. Theelectrical energy is received by a power switch 144 of the powerconverter 142. When the sanitization system 10 is activated or otherwisein use, the power switch 144 transfers the electrical energy to a powersupply 146 of the power converter 142. The power supply 146 converts theelectrical energy, if received in the form of alternating current (AC),into direct current (DC) to be transmitted to the internal components ofthe apparatus 100, including a microcontroller converter 156 and an LEDdriver 158. In response to receiving power from the power supply 146,the microcontroller converter 156 and the led driver 158 transmit theelectrical energy to the microcontroller 154, and the UV LEDs 122,respectively.

The microcontroller 154 of the apparatus 100 includes the processor “P”and memory (not shown), the microcontroller 154 being in electricalcommunication with the LED driver 158, the ambient light detector orsensor 134, an audio device 150, the V LEDs 130, and a wirelesscommunication module 148. The microcontroller 154 is also configured totransmit control signals to, and receive sensor signals from, the LEDdriver 158, an LCD display 121, a wireless communication module 148, anaudio device 150, and the ambient light detector 134. Themicrocontroller 154 is further configured to transmit power to the VLEDs 130 to cause the V LEDs 130 to transmit light. The microcontroller154, microcontroller converter 156, wireless communication module 148, VLEDs 130, audio device 150, load sensor amplifier 152, and LED driver158 are disposed on and connected by circuits located along a printedcircuit board or controller board 160.

It is contemplated that the wireless communication module 148 may be anysuitable wireless communication device configured to transmit andreceive sensor signals such as, without limitation, radio frequency,optical, Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth®, ZigBee, or the like.

The audio device 150 may include any suitable speaker for transmittingaudio signals to one or more users. The audio signals are determined bythe microcontroller 154 in response to operation of the sterilizationsystem 10, the control signals being transmitted to the audio device 150upon generation. In response to receiving control signals from themicrocontroller 154, the audio device transmits audio signals at one ormore frequencies.

The load sensor amplifier 152 receives sensor signals from the pressureor load sensor 132 based on the application of a downward force to theapparatus 100 by a user or object, the sensor signals corresponding to aload measurement taken while the user or object is located on theapparatus 100. Based on the sensor signals received from the load sensor132, the load sensor amplifier 152 transmits sensor signals to themicrocontroller 154. The microcontroller 154 may subsequently generatecontrol signals based on the sensor signals received by the load sensoramplifier 152 during operation of the sterilization system 10. Forexample, when a user is standing on the apparatus 100, once apredetermined load has been reached (e.g., 40-70 lbs of downward forceapplied to the top surface of the apparatus 100), the microcontroller154 may transmit control signals to cause one or more of the UV LEDs 122to transmit UV-C light. Additionally, or alternatively, when a user orobject is standing or located on the apparatus 100, if the predeterminedload has not been reached, the microcontroller 154 may not generatecontrol signals to cause the one or more UV LEDs 122 to transmit UV-Clight. It is contemplated that the microcontroller 154 may transmitcontrol signals which cause the UV LEDs 122 to transmit UV-C light atvarying intensities depending on the sensed load.

The LED driver 158 receives control signals from the microcontroller 154as well as electrical power from the power supply 146. Based on thecontrol signals received from the microcontroller 154, the LED driver158 transmits electrical power to one or more of the UV LEDs 122 tocause the UV LEDs 122 to transmit UV-C light to the plates 106 a, 106 b(FIG. 2). It is contemplated that the UV-C light may be transmitted atvarying or constant intensity levels.

The microcontroller 154 is configured to transmit control signals and/orelectrical energy to the user interface 20 to control a stop lightdisplay 162 and/or an audio output device 164 of the user interface 20.More particularly, the microcontroller 154 may transmit control signalsto the stop light display 162 similar to signals transmitted to the VLEDs 130 to cause both the stop light display 162 and V LEDs 130 toproject light corresponding to operation of the sanitization system 10.Additionally, the microcontroller 154 may transmit control signals tothe audio output device 164 to transmit audio signals in response tooperation of the sterilization system 10.

It will be understood that various modifications may be made to theembodiments disclosed herein. Therefore, the above description shouldnot be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of variousembodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modificationswithin the scope and spirit of the claims appended thereto.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for monitoring sanitizing of footwearcomprising: a user interface to be mounted to a wall, the user interfaceconfigured to display a progress of a sanitization process; a footwearsanitizer apparatus including: at least one light sensor; amicrocontroller; a plurality of ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting diodes(LEDs); and a plurality of visible (V) light-emitting diodes (LEDs),wherein the plurality of ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting diodes (LEDs)are configured to radiate UV light to footwear of a user upon the atleast one light sensor sensing a predetermined setting, thepredetermined setting including at least one of a change in visiblelight or a change in electromagnetic radiation; and wherein theplurality of visible light emitting LEDs (V LEDs) are electricallylinked to a corresponding UV LED of the plurality of UV LEDs, and apower supply in electrical communication with the footwear sanitizerapparatus, wherein upon the at least one light sensor sensing anadjustable predetermined threshold setting, the microcontrollertransmits a signal to the plurality of UV LEDs to radiate UV light tofootwear of a user standing or an object laying on the footwearsanitizer apparatus, wherein the plurality of UV LEDS are furtherconfigured as photodiodes such that the plurality of UV LEDs sense achange in light upon an object being disposed on a portion of theapparatus to activate the plurality of UV LEDs, wherein themicrocontroller receives and stores information regarding each use ofthe footwear-sanitizing system by a user or an object supported on theportion of the platform, wherein the user interface includes a firstvisual indication to the user of the progress of the sanitizationprocess, wherein the user interface includes a second visual indicationof the progress of the sanitization process representing one conditionof the progress and a third visual indication of the progress of thesanitization process representing another condition of the sanitizationprocess, and wherein the first visual indication is a progression oftime of the sanitization process, wherein the second visual indicationis a thumbs-up display upon completion of the sanitization process andwherein the third visual indication is a thumbs-down display indicatingfailure to complete the sanitization process.
 2. The system according toclaim 1, wherein the information regarding each use of thefootwear-sanitizing system includes the number of uses of the apparatus;the time of each use; or identification information relating to the useror the object supported on the portion of the platform; or combinationsthereof.
 3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the footwearsanitizer apparatus further includes: at least one pressure sensorcoupled to the platform and is electrically linked to the plurality ofUV LEDs, the plurality of UV LEDs configured to be activated upon the atleast one pressure sensor sensing a threshold force.
 4. The systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the at least one light sensor comprises aplurality of sensors, wherein the plurality of sensors are disposedwithin a respective cell disposed within an LED matrix panel thatincludes a grid defining a plurality of cells.
 5. The system accordingto claim 4, wherein a first UV LED of the plurality of UV LEDs isactivated in response to a first sensor of the plurality of sensorssensing an object on the portion of the platform, the first UV LED andthe first sensor being disposed within the same cell.
 6. The systemaccording to claim 5, wherein the first sensor senses the object onlywhen the object is disposed directly above the first sensor.
 7. A methodof installing a footwear-sanitizing system, comprising: mounting a userinterface to a wall of a room, the user interface configured to displaya progress of a sanitization process; providing a footwear sanitizerapparatus, the apparatus including: at least one light sensor; amicrocontroller; a plurality of ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting diodes(LEDs); and a plurality of visible (V) light-emitting diodes (LEDs),wherein the plurality of ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting diodes (LEDs)are configured to radiate UV light to footwear of a user upon the atleast one light sensor sensing a predetermined setting, thepredetermined setting including at least one of a change in visiblelight or a change in electromagnetic radiation; and wherein theplurality of visible light emitting LEDs (V LEDs) are electricallylinked to a corresponding UV LED of the plurality of UV LEDs, and apower supply in electrical communication with the footwear sanitizerapparatus; configuring the at least one light sensor such that whereinupon the at least one light sensor sensing an adjustable predeterminedthreshold setting, the microcontroller transmits a signal to theplurality of UV LEDs to radiate UV light to footwear of a user standingor an object laying on the footwear sanitizer apparatus, configuring theplurality of UV LEDs as photodiodes such that the plurality of UV LEDssense a change in light upon an object being disposed on a portion ofthe apparatus to activate the plurality of UV LEDs, and configuring theuser interface to include: a first visual indication to the user of theprogress of the sanitization process; a second visual indication of theprogress of the sanitization process representing one condition of theprogress; and a third visual indication of the progress of thesanitization process representing another condition of the sanitizationprocess, wherein the step of configuring the user interface to includesa third visual indication of the progress of the sanitization processrepresenting another condition of the sanitization process is performedwherein the first visual indication is a progression of time of thesanitization process, wherein the second visual indication is athumbs-up display upon completion of the sanitization process andwherein the third visual indication is a thumbs-down display indicatingfailure to complete the sanitization process.
 8. The method ofinstalling according to claim 7, further comprising disposing each V LEDadjacent to the corresponding UV LED and configuring each V LED to emitvisible light concurrently with the emission of ultraviolet light fromthe corresponding UV LED.
 9. The method of installing according to claim7, further comprising: installing the microcontroller in communicationwith each of the plurality of UV LEDs, the plurality of V LEDS, and theuser interface and configuring the microcontroller to selectivelyactivate the V LEDs and lights of the user interface to emit: a firstcolor of visible light upon the corresponding UV LED being in an ONstate; and a second color of visible light upon the corresponding UV LEDbeing in an OFF state.
 10. The method of installing according to claim7, further comprising: configuring the plurality of UV LEDs asphotodiodes such that the plurality of UV LEDs sense a change in lightupon an object being disposed on a portion of the apparatus to activatethe plurality of UV LEDs; or coupling a pressure sensor to the apparatusand in communication with the plurality of UV LEDs and configuring theplurality of UV LEDs to be activated upon the pressure sensor sensing athreshold force; or combinations of the configuring the plurality of UVLEDs as photodiodes such that the plurality of UV LEDs sense a change inlight upon an object being disposed on the portion of the platform toactivate the plurality of UV LEDs or of the coupling a pressure sensorto the platform and in communication with the plurality of UV LEDs andconfiguring the plurality of UV LEDs to be activated upon the pressuresensor sensing a threshold force.
 11. A method of installing afootwear-sanitizing system, comprising: mounting a user interface to awall of a room, the user interface configured to display a progress of asanitization process; providing a footwear sanitizer apparatus, theapparatus including: at least one light sensor; a microcontroller; aplurality of ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting diodes (LEDs); and aplurality of visible (V) light-emitting diodes (LEDs), wherein theplurality of ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) areconfigured to radiate UV light to footwear of a user upon the at leastone light sensor sensing a predetermined setting, the predeterminedsetting including at least one of a change in visible light, or a changein electromagnetic radiation; and wherein the plurality of visible lightemitting LEDs (V LEDs) are electrically linked to a corresponding UV LEDof the plurality of UV LEDs, and a power supply in electricalcommunication with the footwear sanitizer apparatus, configuring the atleast one light sensor such that wherein upon the at least one lightsensor sensing an adjustable predetermined threshold setting, themicrocontroller transmits a signal to the plurality of UV LEDs toradiate UV light to footwear of a user standing or an object laying onthe footwear sanitizer apparatus; configuring the plurality of UV LEDsas photodiodes such that the plurality of UV LEDs sense a change inlight upon an object being disposed on a portion of the apparatus toactivate the plurality of UV LEDs; configuring the microcontroller toreceive and store information regarding each use of thefootwear-sanitizing system by a user or an object supported on theportion of the platform; and configuring the user interface to include:a first visual indication to the user of the progress of thesanitization process; a second visual indication of the progress of thesanitization process representing one condition of the progress; and athird visual indication of the progress of the sanitization processrepresenting another condition of the sanitization process.
 12. Themethod of installing a footwear-sanitizing system according to claim 11,wherein the configuring the microcontroller to receive and storeinformation regarding each use of the footwear-sanitizing system by auser or an object supported on the portion of the platform includesconfiguring the microcontroller to receive and store informationregarding each use of the footwear-sanitizing system that includes thenumber of uses of the apparatus; the time of each use; or identificationinformation relating to the user or the object supported on the portionof the platform; or combinations thereof.
 13. The method of installingaccording to claim 11, further comprising disposing each V LED adjacentto the corresponding UV LED and configuring each V LED to emit visiblelight concurrently with the emission of ultraviolet light from thecorresponding UV LED.
 14. The method of installing according to claim11, further comprising: installing the microcontroller in communicationwith each of the plurality of UV LEDs, the plurality of V LEDS, and theuser interface and configuring the microcontroller to selectivelyactivate the V LEDs of the apparatus and lights of the user interface toemit: a first color of visible light upon the corresponding UV LED beingin an ON state; and a second color of visible light upon thecorresponding UV LED being in an OFF state.
 15. The method of installingaccording to claim 11, further comprising: configuring the plurality ofUV LEDs as photodiodes such that the plurality of UV LEDs sense a changein light upon an object being disposed on the portion of the platform toactivate the plurality of UV LEDs; or coupling a pressure sensor to theplatform and in communication with the plurality of UV LEDs andconfiguring the plurality of UV LEDs to be activated upon the pressuresensor sensing a threshold force; or combinations of the configuring theplurality of UV LEDs as photodiodes such that the plurality of UV LEDssense a change in light upon an object being disposed on the portion ofthe platform to activate the plurality of UV LEDs or of the coupling apressure sensor to the platform and in communication with the pluralityof UV LEDs and configuring the plurality of UV LEDs to be activated uponthe pressure sensor sensing a threshold force.
 16. The method ofinstalling according to claim 7, including configuring the userinterface to include a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag storingidentification information of a user of the system upon a user standingor an object laying on the footwear sanitizer apparatus, or configuringthe user interface to require input of identification information of auser of the system prior to the user using the system, or combinationsthereof.
 17. The method according to claim 7, wherein the step ofconfiguring the user interface to include: a first visual indication tothe user of the progress of the sanitization process; and a secondvisual indication of the progress of the sanitization processrepresenting one condition of the progress.
 18. The method according toclaim 11, wherein the step of configuring the user interface to include:a first visual indication to the user of the progress of thesanitization process; a second visual indication of the progress of thesanitization process representing one condition of the progress; and athird visual indication of the progress of the sanitization processrepresenting another condition of the sanitization process is performedwherein the first visual indication is a progression of time of thesanitization process, wherein the second visual indication is athumbs-up display upon completion of the sanitization process andwherein the third visual indication is a thumbs-down display indicatingfailure to complete the sanitization process.